John Albert Thomas Solo Piano

Now I Sleep Testimonial – Levi and Darby Merritt

Shaunna Merritt, who inspired the song “Every Moment”, was diagnosed with Potters Syndrome, a fatal birth defect, at 18 weeks gestation. Darby, her mother, chose to carry her to term and cherish every kick, every hiccup session, and every last moment with her knowing that any day could be their last together.

On January 30, 2009, Shaunna was born into this world very much alive. She outlived the doctor’s forecast and blessed her family with two and a half hours of life. The Merritts cherished every moment with her. They enjoyed hearing her make sweet little noises, and gazing in her deep blue eyes. They held her close knowing their time would be short, locking into memory every detail of their precious Angel.

Upon reflection a year later the Merritts wrote:

“I really wish that we could have been blessed with Shaunna for more than a few hours, but we are so thankful for the short time that we did get with her. I wish we could spend every milestone with her, like getting her first tooth, taking her first step, and her first birthday. Milestones are very sad days for us, but we praise the Lord that she is in Heaven where everything is perfect and painless.”

When I asked her what this album meant to her family, here’s what she had to say:

When I first saw your post on NILMDTS’s website I was numbfounded. Someone from the “outside” world who had never themselves experienced the loss of a child is reaching out to those of us that have–that whole concept is amazing. We were honored enough to have our child selected to be a representation of billions of families a year that experience losing a child. A whole song dedicated to my daughter’s life is more of a gift than I could ever receive to help honor her brief life. In my mind that is as close as it gets to actually having her here with me again. I assure you this album will be played over and over again in my house!

When I was first sent the preview of Shaunna’s song my heart melted, literally. Hearing the preview sent me back to the hospital room while I held my daughter on my chest for those last few minutes of her life. How amazing that a piece of music could do this.

What this album means to me and my husband is something that words cannot describe. There aren’t enough thank you’s or outstanding talents that would even come close to the gratitude we have towards you for recording this CD to remember all of the children that have gone too soon.

Sincerely,

Levi & Darby Merritt
(Shaunna’s parents)

Shaunna’s song, “Every Moment”, will be available on the Now I Sleep album on April 22, 2011.

Now I Sleep Testimonial – Steph and Dwight Lemont

Steph and Dwight Lemont have experienced the heartache of two miscarriages.  When I composed “Heaven and Earth” for them I wanted to portray their children in heaven dancing with their children on earth.  I asked them to share what their song–and the Now I Sleep CD project–means to them.  Here’s what they had to say!

Steph wrote:

“Thank you for asking me to share our story with you. Dwight and I prayed after each miscarriage that God would someday turn our pain to purpose. We prayed He would use our losses for His glory and help us help others through their pain. I am a very private person. When you called and asked me to share my story it was like God had prepared my heart with courage to go forward. This CD is very important to me because I know it will minister to hearts when words can’t soak in.

Our hallway at home is lined with pictures of each of our children and in the line-up are two poems. These poems are reminders of what Heaven’s nursery is holding for us….our precious Angels. A dear friend gave me a stuffed baby rabbit to hold when tears fill my eyes and my arms long to hold my baby boy. I also made a baby bracelet in anticipation for our baby girl that my hands held only for a moment but my heart will hold forever. These are precious mementoes but I know this CD will touch the hurting hearts of mommies and daddies and help comfort when words and mementos aren’t enough.”

Dwight wrote:

“I felt a great loss and sadness each time Steph had a miscarriage. Even though we did not have a baby to hold in our arms we already had an attachment. We were looking forward to our babies and all the things we would do with them. Praying helped us a great deal. I hope this CD will allow other people to know they are not alone. Once again, thank you for allowing us to be a part of this CD.”

Be part of the healing!  Support the Now I Sleep CD project at http://nowisleepproject.org.

Piano Portrait: Scandalous Grace

This past summer I changed the reason why I compose piano works.  Instead of just composing music on a whim for my own pleasure, I now write music for people who inspire me.  These “Piano Portraits” are unique musical gifts that really do last a lifetime!

One of my customers, Deb Ingino, shared with me a video of her daughter, Melissa, receiving her Piano Portrait entitled “Scandalous Grace” on her 21st birthday.

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Here’s the text she read on the back of the framed CD.

Deb Ingino approached me about composing this piano work as a surprise gift for her daughter, Melissa, who is turning twenty-one this December. As we discussed Melissa’s personality and passions, her past and her dreams for the future, it was clear that her parents hold a deep reservoir of love, respect and admiration for her. They look up to her for her grace, wisdom and loyalty.

Outwardly petite, this lamb has grown the heart of a lion. Her fervent advocacy for the weak is seen through her giving and support of Living Water International and lobbying Congress on behalf of Invisible Children. She will not rest while the world around her suffers.

As I read these words from Melissa, this music poured out of my own heart at one sitting. It was a sacred moment, a meditation, that led me to my own worship of the God she describes.

something is broken in this world & i want to hold my tiny palms against the wounds so the Healer can later restore …i’m just a girl in a red hat. A lily among thorns. A dreamer. A free soul with a heart that is deeply Rooted. i believe in scandalous grace. i can survive living simply, as long as my friends and family are close. Someday i want to paint the nails of prostitutes. i treasure the art of listening and genuinely receiving even it means remaining silent.i believe in the practice lectio divina. i have a heart for the feeble and broken. i appreciate loyalty and honesty.i think the study of fine tuning in the universe is mind-altering. i believe in altruism and empathy. i’m a little dirt clod made from the dust but hold the Breath of my Creator. i was once dead but now i am alive. <><.

Scandalous Grace is composed in honor of Melissa Ingino. May God grant her many more years in His service.

Melissa sent me this video to express her gratitude.

Click here to contact John personally about giving a Piano Portrait to your loved one!